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In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons

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We’re unpacking the headlines and making the news make sense. Get connected with local experts, your neighbors and the stories shaping Chicago.

PublishesDailyEpisodes2732Founded10 years ago
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Artwork for In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons

Latest Episodes

Some Chicago alders balked at Mayor Brandon Johnson’s inclusion of a corporate head tax in his 2026 budget proposal. In response, a group of moderate and conservative city councilors put forth a list of alternative proposals that does not include the... more

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has rejected an alternative budget proposal from a slim majority of alderpersons, calling it “an incomplete assignment.” In the Loop learns more about what those councilmembers are proposing from Ald. Gilbert Villegas, 3... more

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson battles alders over a competing budget proposal. Northwestern agrees to pay $75 million in a deal with the federal government. A new independent candidate enters the race for retiring Congressman Chuy Garcia’s seat. Gov.... more

Health coverage for millions of people is on the line as the federal government cannot get on the same page on a new health care plan or extending Affordable Care Act subsidies that are set to expire at the end of the year. If subsidies expire, premi... more

Key Facts

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Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Robert Townsend
Legendary actor, writer, director, philanthropy advocate
NA
Episode: Chicago Favorite Son Robert Townsend Is Back In Town
Mark Ishaug
CEO of Thresholds
Thresholds
Episode: How Trump Cuts Could Affect Chicago’s Unhoused
Erin Kahoa
Local live quiz producer and director of development at the Pritzker Military Museum and Library
Pritzker Military Museum and Library
Episode: Parlor And Board Games To Play With Family Over The Holidays
Lynnea Domienik
Producer for In the Loop
WBEZ
Episode: Parlor And Board Games To Play With Family Over The Holidays
Lisa Key
Executive director of the Driehaus Museum
Driehaus Museum
Episode: ‘Wicked’ Fans Can Get An Ozian Fix In Downtown Chicago
Joe Ferguson
Former Inspector General for the City of Chicago, President of the Civic Federation
Civic Federation
Episode: Former Inspector General Wants More From Chicago’s Budget
Brandon Pope
President of the National Association of Black Journalists, Chicago Chapter
National Association of Black Journalists
Episode: Media Companies Are Turning Their Backs On Diverse Voices
Natalie Moore
Chicago Sun Times columnist and director of audio journalism programming at Northwestern University
Chicago Sun-Times
Episode: Media Companies Are Turning Their Backs On Diverse Voices
Morgan Elise Johnson
Filmmaker and co-founder of The TriiBE
The TriiBE
Episode: Media Companies Are Turning Their Backs On Diverse Voices

Host

Sasha Ann Simons
Host of In the Loop, known for her empathetic interviewing style and pivotal role in discussing pressing local issues in Chicago.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 385 ratings
  • Listener for years…

    I’m less aware of what’s going down in the city without this show! Thank you, Sasha! And PUBLIC MEDIA!!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Burchp
    United States5 months ago
  • Excellent host

    Simons is fantastic — sincerely empathetic and curious, asking questions that yield fascinating answers. The topics are relevant to every day people and hyper local in the best way

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    bizzysteph
    United Statesa year ago
  • Great show, small gripe

    I enjoy Reset’s content about the Chicagoland area. It gives good context on specific issues in a format similar to NYT’s The Daily gives on worldwide issues. My only complaint is a technical one, which is that the maximum volume of the episodes is lower than most of the other podcasts I listen to, including some from WBEZ. There are times when I am unable to listen to it because the ambient noise level around me is too high, but other podcast with higher max volume are completely understandable... more

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    An untaken nickname!!
    United Statesa year ago
  • Divisive

    This podcast promotes views of “inequities” in Chicago and that correcting these alleged “systemic” problems requires further favoritism and discrimination based on color and other identity characteristics like sexual orientation. What isn’t understood is the focus on race and favoritism just hurts the individuals struggling in this city and is not sustainable. Please read the Constitution and recent court decisions and stop the race rhetoric. It’s harmful and unproductive.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    AnotherJoe1
    United Statesa year ago
  • Sasha is AWESOME

    Hearing Sasha hang up on Richard Pearson of the Illinois Division of the NRA was perfect.

    Natalie Moore interviews and segments are my favorites.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Yaditexas
    United States3 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Overall, there is a strong sense of community and connectedness expressed by the audience, valuing the informative nature of the content.
Listeners appreciate the host's empathetic and curious approach to interviewing, often highlighting the relevance of topics to everyday people.
Some feedback indicates that certain listeners feel the discussions can sometimes lack depth or pushback on contentious topics.
The show is regarded as a vital source of local news, helping listeners stay informed about significant issues affecting Chicago.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#132
United States/News/Daily News
Apple Podcasts
#141
Israel/News/Daily News
Apple Podcasts
#151
Finland/News/Daily News
Apple Podcasts
#212
Sweden/News/Daily News

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Chicago Favorite Son Robert Townsend Is Back In Town
Q: What does it mean to you to return and be part of the creative community in Chicago?
It feels good to come back and work on projects like 'The Bear', shooting in my old neighborhoods.
Chicago Favorite Son Robert Townsend Is Back In Town
Q: What's the draw for showing 'The Spook Who Sat by the Door'?
It's about the first African American CIA agent who starts a revolution, and it was hidden for many years, making it a significant film.
Chicago Favorite Son Robert Townsend Is Back In Town
Q: What are you doing here this weekend?
I'm doing the Robert Townsend Pop-Up Film Festival, which is a fundraiser for local charities including the West Side NAACP and an autism advocacy foundation.
Tarts, Sorbets, Mousse, Oh My!
Q: What is inspiring you this year?
Martin discusses being inspired by tarts and wanting to try new flavor combinations for holiday desserts.
Ask The Mayor, November 2025
Q: What would the corporate head tax look like?
What it looks like today, and it would require continued collaboration with the city council.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
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Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons

What is In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The content examines significant social, political, and cultural issues affecting Chicago, with insights from various experts and community members. Topics often focus on local governance, public safety, mental health services, and the implications of federal policy changes, particularly concerning marginalized communities. The podcast uniquely blends hard news with community-driven narratives, often highlighting personal stories through interviews with city officials, activists, and residents who bring diverse perspectives to current events.

Notably, the discussions not only address immediate news but explore broader themes, such as the impact of historical events on current policies and the ongoing challenges faced by underrepresented gr... more

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Which podcasts are similar to In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons?

These podcasts share a similar audience with In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons:

1. City Cast Chicago
2. Curious City
3. It's Been a Minute
4. Up First from NPR
5. Pop Culture Happy Hour

How many episodes of In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons are there?

In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons launched 10 years ago and published 2732 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons?

Recent guests on In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons include:

1. Robert Townsend
2. Mark Ishaug
3. Erin Kahoa
4. Lynnea Domienik
5. Lisa Key
6. Joe Ferguson
7. Brandon Pope
8. Natalie Moore

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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